Corporate Knights’ 2022 ranking of the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations recognizes Chr. Hansen’s sustained focus on driving broad ESG progress and the positive societal handprint of its microbial products
For the 18th time, Canadian Corporate Knights has published their annual ranking of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies, based on a number of key environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. Global bioscience company Chr. Hansen has been included on the Global top 100 list for the past five years and this year ranks as no. 2.
6,914 companies with more than USD 1 billion in revenues have been analyzed against global industry peers on a number of quantitative key performance indicators. “Zooming in on Chr. Hansen, it is noteworthy that the year’s score improvements are broadly anchored across all ESG areas – from clean revenue, a classic Chr. Hansen stronghold, to ESG pay link, safety and diversity – and that is a testimony to the hard work done across the entire organization,” says CEO Mauricio Graber.
“Working for a better world is deeply rooted in our organizational culture. As a company, this gives us a very strong purpose that is closely linked to sustainability in a broad sense, and which our employees fully identify with and take pride in. We are grateful for the ranking and appreciate the good collaboration with our customers who support our continued journey. It reinforces our daily pursuit to grow a better world through our microbial solutions,” notes Graber.
Taking climate action
Because of these solutions, which enable healthier living for humans, animals and plants, Chr. Hansen is privileged to be seen as a sustainability enabler by our customers and partners. But according to Camilla Lercke, Head of Sustainability & ESG, Chr. Hansen, there is still more to be done.
“We recently announced our 2030 science-based targets, which is a driver for future-proofing our business for a low-carbon economy. Many actions – such as converting 100% to renewable electricity – are already under implementation, and it is encouraging to see that these efforts are reflected in this year’s scores,” she notes.
“Delivering on the ambition to reduce our footprint while being a sustainability enabler for our customers remains our key priority in the years to come. We hope the recognition by Corporate Knights sparks even more interest in what bioscience has to offer when it comes to transforming the way we farm, eat and live a healthy life,” concludes Lercke.
Fact box:
About Corporate Knights and Chr. Hansen’s ranking as no. 2
“The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” is an annual project initiated by Corporate Knights, a specialized Toronto-based media and investment research firm, launched in 2005. The ranking is announced annually in connection with the World Economic Forum in Davos (in 2022 the physical event is however deferred until early summer owing to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Strongest score contributors to Chr. Hansen’s 2022 ranking:
- Clean revenue (percentage of total revenue derived from products and services that are categorized as "clean" according to Corporate Knights' taxonomy)
- Energy and carbon productivity
- Water productivity
- Lost-time injury rate
- Women senior executives
- Board diversity
- ESG pay link (including ESG targets to the executive management’s remuneration package)
Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for almost 150 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 50,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.
